Accused Quebec election shooter to be evaluated

MONTREAL (AP) — The suspect in a deadly shooting at a rally following the election of Quebec’s new separatist premier is being sent for a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he’s fit to stand trial.

Richard Henry Bain appeared briefly in in court on Friday, launching into a lengthy diatribe about being sent on a mission by Jesus Christ to rid Quebec of the separatist problem. After the comments, a judge agreed an assessment was necessary.

Bain’s legal-aid attorney told reporters it has been impossible to prepare a defense for him. The fishing-lodge owner faces 16 charges, including first-degree murder stemming from the September shooting where a stagehand was killed and another wounded.

Premier Pauline Marois told a television show earlier this week she believes she may have been an assassination target.